Hebrews 12  All of these "men ( and women) of old"  have left us their testimonies, their lives witness to us of their faith.  They prove to us that it is worth it all... to walk with God in faith, for that which was "unseen" during their mortal lives, their greatest hopes have come true for them and much, much more than they could even imagine or hope...

We, too, can "lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us,"  and "run with endurance the race that is set before us."  We must walk by faith.. to please God, to gain His approval, and to receive the promise of eternity.

" ... fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith , who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart."  ( v2-3)  The ultimate and final witness to us is Jesus Himself.  If we can gain courage and hope through the testimony of men and women who lived before us.. how much more can we gain from our perfect Savior, Jesus!  

For He is the author of faith - the chief leader, the ruler, the principal of faith.  The word signifies the commencement - the beginning - thus the author.  And He is also the "perfecter" of faith -  the finisher - consummator, the completer.   Jesus is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.. of all things, including faith.   He lived it out before us.  "..who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".

Look to Jesus, consider Him... the perfect example of a life lived in faith. The writer encourages us.. gives us the courage to also walk in faith - there is a joy set before us also - in a city not built with hands!  Whatever we must endure in this life, it will be worth it all... !!!!

Yes, it can be hard.. but "you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;"   We haven't even come close to that, have we?

Father in heaven, how wonderful and gracious You are!  You are the One who heals us and forgives us.  You save us through faith in Jesus, Who is the author and finisher of faith.  Complete Your will in us, Oh Lord.  We want to run with endurance the race that You have set before us, laying aside any encumbrance, to please You and to gain a testimony of Your approval.  In Christ Jesus we come and ask for help by Your Holy Spirit, Amen.